Uhuru's team names Kalonzo new Azimio boss

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka/HANDOUT

The Azimio Council has elevated Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka as the new Azimio la Umoja Coalition Party leader 

The move championed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta could be the clearest signal that Kalonzo could be the United Opposition's presidential flag-bearer for next year's general election.

In 2022, Raila Odinga (deceased), who was the Azimio Party leader, was the coalition's presidential candidate.

In the Tuesday development, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi appointed secretary general.

Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia was also named the Azimio’s executive director, taking over from former CS Raphael Tuju.

Tuju had on Tuesday announced his resignation hours before the new changes were communicated.

Until his death on October 15 last year, Raila was the Azimio Party leader with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed as secretary general.

The reorganisation signals an attempt to keep the Azimio structure alive despite the existence of United Opposition coalition, where both Kalonzo’s Wiper and Uhuru’s Jubilee are strong members.

According to communication to newsrooms, the changes were reached during the joint session of the Azimio Council and the National Executive Committee (NEC) convened by Uhuru on Monday.

“Under the chairmanship of Uhuru Kenyatta, fourth President of Kenya and chairman of the Council of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, a joint session of the council and the National Executive Committee was held on February 2, 2026,” the communication reads.

“The following key leadership appointments were approved during the meeting and have been duly communicated to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).”

“These appointments have been necessitated by evolving political circumstances, which have called for prompt and strategic leadership enhancements.”

Uhuru’s latest move has, however, fuelled questions about his true political intentions.

By elevating Kalonzo within Azimio, Uhuru is seen as walking a delicate line that also raises questions about his long-term plans involving former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.

The development comes just days after Uhuru and Kalonzo travelled together to Nigeria, a trip that has since been viewed by insiders as part of broader behind-the-scenes political realignments.

Analysts say it sends mixed signals, coming at a time when he has shown lukewarm commitment to the Rigathi Gachagua-led United Opposition.

Political analyst Martin Andati argues the decision to elevate Wiper leader within Azimio is a clear signal of Uhuru’s 2027 plans.

He said reviving the Azimio la Umoja structure and installing Kalonzo as its leader points to Uhuru lining up behind the Wiper boss rather than Matiang'i.

“Kalonzo is the candidate, they have done a lot of internal opinion polls. The other time, Uhuru was with Kalonzo in Nigeria trying to introduce him to international networks and for resource mobilisation,” Andati said.

He said the move is less about party housekeeping and more about quietly building a coalition around Kalonzo.

Andati argued the Azimio revival is strategically aimed at pulling in ODM leaders who remain firmly opposed to President William Ruto but are increasingly uneasy with the Gachagua-led opposition arrangement.

“There are sections of ODM members who do not want to cross to the Gachagua side, that is the team he is trying to win by reviving Azimio,” he said.

Uhuru, he noted, is seen as offering an alternative political home for such leaders as succession politics gather momentum.

Some of the ODM leaders opposed to Ruto’s re-election include deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, party’s secretary general Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino (Embakasi East MP) and Caleb Amisi (Saboti MP)

INSTANT ANALYSIS

As the 2027 politics begin to take shape, Uhuru’s latest manoeuvre suggests the former president is far from done influencing the country’s political direction.